Medical Value of Food
Conventional western medicine sees food as a fuel, and as building blocks for the body. The nutritional value of food – the “material” aspect – is based on calories, proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, etc.
In Chinese medicine, food also has an “energy” aspect. Just like some music (e.g. marching music) makes listeners feel energized, so some food s have an energizing component that affects the body.